When it’s time to travel and leave Fido behind, choosing where to board the pup can feel like a complex project. Since the pet industry has exponentially changed over the last ten years, it seems like simple solutions such as boarding at the vet’s office, at a kennel, or asking the neighbor down the street have become exorbitantly complicated. With various benefits and drawbacks to all options, there are solutions that are right for some and completely inappropriate for others.
The Traditional Kennel
The traditional kennel option has existed since the dawn of time. As of today, it’s still one of the most commonly used facilities. Dogs are housed in individual runs/kennels with outdoor and at least indoor access. Most facilities operate on a schedule, set hours for meals, bathroom breaks, play/exercise.
The bottom line is that traditional kennels are the least expensive options. Many have been around for decades, providing a storied reputation with trained staff who have seen it all. The regimented option is great for dogs who are not social, who do not like being around many other dogs and people. However, the biggest con is quite clear. This type of boarding means that dogs will be in cages/runs for long periods of time with little human interaction, depending upon how busy the facility is during the day.
Cage-Free or Group Play Facilities
On the opposite end of the spectrum are cage-free facilities, where, generally, dogs spend all day playing together in one big, cage-free room. These facilities are incredibly active and rely on stimulation. To many dogs’ minds, there’s no better place to be.
But cage-free is not for all dogs. Some find the constant group dynamic to be exhausting or stressful. Older dogs or those with medical issues may not keep up with the high-energy dogs or might get jumped on by rambunctious puppies. If a dog is aggressive in any fashion or does not play well with others, cage-free boarding is not an option. To find reliable dog boarding Orlando options, or similar, you can look online which will help narrow down facilities that can adjust to temperament needs and socialization levels.
Luxury Options
Luxury pet resorts offer upgraded options, think private suites and webcams to check in from home, comfort levels and cleanliness that rival hotel rooms, raised beds and cable TV playing calming visuals, spa services, and one-on-one playtime.
The price is high, but peace of mind comes at a cost. In general, these resorts have a lower ratio of dogs to staff; more specialized attention to detail is readily available. For dogs with special considerations and needs (senior pets, medication three times a day) flourish in this environment with staff who have time to tend to more individualized care.
In-Home Boarding
Some pet sitters will keep dogs overnight in their homes. Therefore, instead of sending Fido away on an adventure to exciting locales, boarding in the home of someone means that they only take care of one to three dogs at any time.
For dogs who become anxious in unfamiliar territory, this option mimics a home-like environment in the best fashion. It fosters intimacy where dogs get fostered attention in a quieter space with less exciting playing/running-around option. In-home caregivers may also work with the same small group of dogs consistently, so dogs will become familiar with not only the space they’ll be in but the other animals with whom they’ll be housed.
The downside is quality control as it’s hard to establish reputable boarding versus someone simply trying to make extra money when their skill set isn’t applicable to what they’re doing. Vetting takes longer than finding an established facility.
Veterinary Boarding
Veterinary clinics that also have boarding services are naturally best for dogs who have medical needs or are recovering from surgeries. Immediate benefits include access to medical assistance should something happen; if there’s a health concern, it won’t take long for staff to notice.
In addition, people who work at veterinary boarding facilities can provide medicine on time without confusion. Most vet boarding facilities look more like a traditional kennel than a resort. The atmosphere is clinical; focus is on safety and health activities rather than enrichment or fun.
For a healthy dog, this option might be overkill, but for a chronic condition or anxiety-prone dog whose owner never stops fretting about the possibility of home, onsite veterinarians can make all the difference between a successful trip or one that’s futile.
How to Decide?
Ultimately, the best option relies on what works best for individual dog personality and health. A hyper two-year-old pup who loves playing with many friends would thrive in a cage-free scenario, and might burst with excitement if it finds a daycare-like atmosphere with similar opportunities. A senior dog who only wants peace and quiet would despise such a situation but would be miserable in the presence of barking puppies for endless hours a day.
Cost always matters, but it shouldn’t be the major consideration, even though some options charge exorbitant prices for little more than a white-glove service experience. The least expensive option might provide limited value but could be stressing over confusion that’s compounded when the dog returns home instead of getting everything sorted out during the time spent at Fido’s temporary home. Thus, visiting facilities prior to leaving Fido behind, watching hours upon hours of staff engagement, gauging training and ability through an inquiry process, should help determine the best option for each dog’s needs. Most importantly, to consider their actual needs, and not what owners think might be a luxuriously fun time, will pay dividends on all ends.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
